Speech Advice
Structure
Having a clear structure is really important. It allows you to organise your ideas and helps them flow into one another. I've included a really simple structure below.
Opening
Welcome everyone, introduce yourself, and ideally, get a laugh so the audience, and you, can relax!
Main Body
This will vary depending on which speech you are giving, so check out the main body guide below.
Closing Lines
Bring your speech together and pay homage to the couple. Leave the audience with something to remember!
Toast
Toast the happy couple. You can go the traditional route or create a unique toast specific to them.
Main Body Guide
The main body of each speech should be unique. However, for each type of speech, I have outlined the three most important things to include.
Father
Bride
Best Man
The Welcome: Welcome all the guests and your new in-laws.
Your Child: Give an overview of who your child is using stories to illustrate who they are and how they've grown throughout their life.
Their Spouse: Talk about the impact of their new spouse on your child and what the couple mean to you.
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The Thank You's: Thank everyone for coming, those who've made large journeys and anyone who especially helped with the wedding.
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Parents/In-Laws/Bridesmaids: Thank your parents for everything they've done for you, your in-laws for welcoming you and the bridesmaids for all their help.
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Your Spouse: Talk about your spouse, what they mean to you and your story together.
Introduce Yourself: Tell everyone who you are and how you know the groom.
The Groom: Talk about the groom, giving an insight into who he is and how he's grown throughout his life.
His Spouse: Talk about the impact of his new spouse on him and about them as a couple.
Mother
Groom
Bridesmaid
The Welcome: Welcome all the guests and your new in-laws.
Your Child: Give an overview of who your child is using stories to illustrate who they are and how they've grown throughout their life.
Their Spouse: Talk about the impact of their new spouse on your child and what the couple mean to you.
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The Thank You's: Thank everyone for coming, those who made large journeys and anyone who especially helped with the wedding.
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Parents/In-Laws/Best Man: Thank your parents for everything they've done for you, your in-laws for welcoming you and the best man for all his help.
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Your Spouse: Talk about your spouse, what they mean to you and your story together.
Introduce Yourself: Tell everyone who you are and how you know the bride.
The Bride: Talk about the bride, giving an insight into who she is and how she's grown throughout her life.
Her Spouse: Talk about the impact of her new spouse on her and about them as a couple.
Things to Consider
Length of Speech
It's a tricky balance but always remember, when nerves take over, you are likely to speed up. Ultimately, it's better to leave the audience wanting more, so it should be 5-8 minutes.
Things to Avoid
Exes
Someone's wedding day isn't the time to mention exes. It's awkward and is never as funny as you think it will be.
